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Diary of a Book Addict: Aaaagh, I Owe Fines!

October 31, 2012

Usually I am a good library steward. When I receive a book that I know others are waiting for, I read that one quickly and get it back way before the due date. I say "usually" because that is not always the case. Sometimes, I find a book I really like and that gets moved to the top of my read list even if I’ve had other books in my possession longer. I do not always read books in the order that I check them out. I also have a personal policy of not returning an overdue book if I’m more than halfway into it. I do try to renew these items, but if someone else has been waiting, a renewal is not allowed. Fines are a nickel a day, and that is very reasonable to me. But, those nickels add up quickly.

I looked at my account the other day and was shocked to see that I owed $6.45 in overdue fines. It’s not like the Library didn’t warn me. I am grateful to receive helpful email reminders letting me know that my items are going to be due in 3 days. I love that. Every time I receive one of those notices (which happens frequently), I say to myself, "No problem, I can finish that book today." Obviously, my optimism does not come close to reflecting reality. The fine limit is $10 before your card is blocked, and based on the number of books currently in my possession, I knew that it wouldn’t take me long to accrue another $3.55. So, I took advantage of the online option to use a credit or debit card to pay my fines. I’ve learned recently that there are many people who don’t realize that we now allow credit and debit card payments to take care of library fines.

If you find yourself in a similar predicament, here’s how you can get those fines paid:

At the top right, you will see a link in a yellow shaded box that says, "View My Library Account." Click on that link, this will take you take you to another page.

Sign into your library account by typing in your library card number and your 8-digit birthdate for the PIN. Next, click on the box that says, "View My Account."

At the top of your account summary, you will see the menu option "Bills." When you click on that menu option, you will be shown your fines. In the lower left corner, you will see "Pay Bills via Credit Card."

Clicking "Pay Bills via Credit Card" will bring up another page hosted by eCommerce Services, showing the total amount that is owed. If you wish to continue the process, select "Pay from Credit Card," which will give you a fill-in-the blank screen to fill in your payment information.

This process allows you to pay fines from any Internet computer at your convenience, but it does require you to pay the full amount of your fines. To make a partial payment with a credit or debit card, library staff can assist you at the circulation desk.

Comments

Oh it is so nice to know that a librarian can have these bad habits! I have a book due soon that I waited a long time for, and I haven't finished :( It has other holds on it. I've been stressing about whether a fine of a dollar or so is worth getting to finish the book, because I always think the librarians must look down on people who accrue 'large' fines!

Contrary to what may be popular belief, we do NOT look down on people who accrue fines. We recognize that "it happens" and we know that most of our customers are good stewards of what they borrow, and in fact, return things EARLY.

What makes us sad is when we are not able to provide some library services because fines are in excess of $10. Even so, it is astounding the things we do provide while fines are being paid down. For instance, you can still use wireless internet (with your own mobile device); you can read books, magazines, and newspapers while visiting; you can use all of our research databases while in the branch, too. You would also still be able to register to vote, pick up tax forms, attend scheduled programs, make copies, send a FAX, borrow donated books, or go through our coupon exchange basket!